Chloe Zhang
Plastic codes, also known as Resin Identification Codes (RIC), are numbers from 1 to 7 surrounded by a triangle of three arrows, forming a Möbius strip. These codes tell manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but do not indicate whether a product is recyclable. For example, plastics with the code #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics, while plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally harder to recycle. Understanding these codes can help consumers decipher if a product is recyclable and make informed choices between different packaging options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Identification Code | 1-7 |
| Code 1 | PETE or PET |
| Code 2 | HDPE |
| Code 3 | Toxin-releasing materials |
| Code 4 | Resin |
| Code 5 | N/A |
| Code 6 | N/A |
| Code 7 | Polycarbonates (PC) |
| Resin Identification Code | RIC |
| RIC Information | Indicates the type of plastic, not its recyclability |
| Universal Recycling Symbol | A triangle with three arrows, surrounding a number from 1-7, forming a Möbius strip |
| Recyclability | Not indicated by the presence or absence of a code |
| PVC | Polyvinyl Chloride |
| LDPE | Low-Density Polyethylene |
| PP | Polypropylene |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic identification codes
The presence or absence of a code on a plastic product does not indicate whether it is recyclable. The RIC tells plastic manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but it does not address recyclability. The numbers 1 and 2 indicate the most commonly recycled plastics, while numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected.
Some examples of plastic identification codes include:
- PET or PETE (number 1): PET plastic is found in most water bottles and is recyclable, but only about 25% of PET bottles are recycled in the US. Once recycled, PET can be used for motor-vehicle parts, furniture, rugs, and sometimes new food packaging.
- HDPE (number 2): HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. It is used to make products like milk jugs, toys, and plastic lumber, and is both reusable and recyclable.
- PVC: PVC is a durable plastic used in construction, plumbing, and transport. It is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or other harsh conditions but can leach chemicals over time, making it less suitable for food use. PVC is reusable and recyclable but is recycled less frequently than some other plastics.
- LDPE: LDPE is used to create most soft plastic products and is lightweight and less toxic than other plastics, making it popular for food use. However, due to its flimsy nature, it is often only used for single-application purposes.
- PP: PP is a tough, lightweight plastic with excellent heat resistance, making it popular for takeaway shops and containers for hot liquids. It is considered safe for continued reuse as it is unlikely to leach chemicals and break down over time. PP is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers.
- Polystyrene or Styrofoam (number 6): Polystyrene comes in two forms: hard, compressed PS used in food packaging, and expanded polystyrene (EPS), the lighter "puffed" version. It is challenging to recycle and has been known to leach chemicals when heated.
- Number 7: This category includes a wide variety of plastics that are very difficult to recycle, including polycarbonates (PC). These plastics are commonly found in sunglasses, DVDs, water bottles, and food packaging.
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Resin Identification Code (RIC)
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a system that helps identify the resin used in plastic products. It was developed by The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI)—now known as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)—in 1988. The RIC system uses a triangle made up of three arrows, known as the Universal Recycling Symbol, surrounding a number from 1 to 7, forming a Möbius strip. This symbol was originally designed in 1970 to indicate that a product was recyclable. However, the RIC was created to specify the type of resin used in plastic manufacturing, not to indicate recyclability.
The RIC system is not mandatory across the United States, but at least 36 states require, in some form, the usage of RICs to identify the primary type of resin used in plastic products. The specific requirements for RICs may vary from state to state. For example, California legislation mandates that all rigid plastic bottles and containers sold in the state be labelled with a code indicating the resin used.
The seven RIC labels correspond to different types of resins commonly found in plastic products. RIC #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics and are widely accepted by recycling providers. RIC #3 is for materials that are not frequently recycled and are rarely used with food products due to toxin release. RIC #4, #5, and #6 plastics are also generally harder to recycle and are not always collected in local recycling programs. RIC #7 includes a wide range of plastics that are challenging to recycle, such as polycarbonates (PC), and is often found in products like sunglasses, DVDs, water bottles, and food packaging.
While the RIC system provides valuable information for the recycling and plastic industry, it can be confusing for consumers. To address this, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has proposed the How2Recycle system, which uses labels with clear recycling instructions and categories, making it easier for consumers to understand how to recycle specific items.
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Universal Recycling Symbol
The Universal Recycling Symbol, also known as the chasing arrows symbol, is a globally recognised symbol for recycling. It consists of three chasing arrows folded in a Möbius strip, which represents the concept of "reduce, reuse, recycle". The symbol was designed in 1970 by Gary Anderson, then a 23-year-old student, for the Container Corporation of America's (CCA) inaugural Earth Day competition.
The symbol is not trademarked and is in the public domain, which means that anyone can use or modify it royalty-free. This has resulted in countless variations of the logo worldwide, with each variation ascribing to specific materials such as glass, metals, paper, plastics, and organics, as well as other items like batteries and composite materials.
The original design of the recycling symbol has three arrows that form a pseudo-three-dimensional triangle. However, most variants of the symbol used today have all the arrows folding over themselves, producing a Möbius strip with three half-twists. The symbol is usually displayed with the arrows circulating clockwise, but the underlying Möbius strip exists in two topologically distinct mirror-image forms of opposite handedness.
The Universal Recycling Symbol is often accompanied by a number from 1 to 7, which is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). The RIC tells plastic manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but it does not indicate the recyclability of the product. For example, plastics with the RIC #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics, while plastics with other RICs are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs.
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Different types of recycling processes
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and consumers often don't know which types of plastic can be recycled and in which ways. This is partly due to the various symbols and codes used to indicate recyclability, which can be confusing. The presence of a resin code, for example, doesn't necessarily mean that an item can be recycled—it's the number inside the triangle that matters, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic with distinct recycling instructions. These codes are known as Resin Identification Codes (RICs) and were developed in 1988 by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to help standardise the materials used in different plastic products.
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), identified by the number 1, is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it's inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It has a low risk of leaching and is considered safe. PET can be recycled into products of similar quality and form, such as flakes used for spinning carpet fibre, fibre fill, or tote bags. It can be picked up through most curbside recycling programs, as long as it's been emptied, rinsed, and dried.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene), identified by the number 2, is a versatile plastic with many uses, especially in packaging. It carries a low risk of leaching, is readily recyclable, and can withstand temperatures between -40° F and 266° F. HDPE can also be recycled multiple times (up to 10, according to a 2018 study), making it valuable. It can be recycled into plastic fencing, picnic tables, and lawn chairs. However, the recycling process may vary depending on the municipality and the product, so it's important to check local guidelines.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), on the other hand, is meant for single use. While it is lightweight and versatile, PVC can break down into dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride. It is commonly used in construction, plumbing, and transport due to its durability and resistance to sunlight, water, and other harsh conditions.
#7 plastics are a catch-all category for plastics that don't fall into the other categories, including bioplastics. These plastics are rarely recycled because they are not specific types, making them difficult to source-separate. Bioplastics, for example, are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities under specific conditions, which don't occur in landfills or if littered.
It's important to note that not all plastics can be recycled in standard recycling bins. Some plastics, like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialised handling and may not be accepted by local recycling companies. Additionally, some locations have implemented new packaging symbols to help consumers understand what can be recycled, such as the Australasian Recycling Label, which aims to provide clear and straightforward recycling information.
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How to recycle plastic
Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials of modern times. Recycling plastic can help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, save energy and create jobs. The recycling symbol on plastic products—a triangle made of arrows surrounding a number from 1 to 7—does not necessarily indicate that a product is recyclable. Instead, it is a Resin Identification Code (RIC) that tells manufacturers what type of plastic the material is made of.
Plastics that have #1 (PETE or PET) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. These plastics are used for plastic bottles and food packaging. Once recycled, PET can be used for motor-vehicle parts, furniture, rugs, and sometimes new food packaging. HDPE is accepted worldwide because it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. Most recycling companies will collect HDPE material and take these to large facilities to be processed.
Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs. Code #3 is for materials that are not often recycled and are rarely used with food products because they release toxins. Code #7 includes a wide variety of plastics that are very difficult to recycle, such as polycarbonates (PC). One method of recycling polycarbonate is by chemical recycling, which uses heat to break down plastics and obtain simple molecules that can be used to make other types of plastics or fuels.
- Plastic bottles—meaning a container with a neck smaller than its body—can be recycled. Empty the bottles, twist on the bottle caps, and toss them in the bin.
- More communities are collecting plastic containers for products such as yoghurt, sour cream, condiments, and "clamshell" packaging. Check with your local recycler to see what can be recycled in your area.
- Plastic bags and wraps can be recycled at participating stores.
- Seek out public recycling bins at public parks, sports stadiums, and beaches.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic codes refer to the Resin Identification Code (RIC) which was established in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to help both consumers and recyclers properly dispose of and recycle the many different kinds of plastic based on their chemical makeup.
The numbers inside the recycling symbol indicate what type of plastic the material is made from. Plastics that have #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs.
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) tells plastic manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but does not address the recyclability of the product.
Some common types of plastics are PVC, LDPE, PP, Polystyrene, PET, and HDPE.
HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. Most recycling companies will collect HDPE material and take them to large facilities to be processed.
